About

X-4 is a single-stage rocket equipped with an airbrakes module, designed to precisely control its altitude by adjusting drag in real time. The rocket successfully launched for the first time on November 10th at Midland Rocketry Club (MRC), achieving an apogee within 3m of its target altitude.

X-4 was launched for the second and final time at MRC on March 9th. X-4 also served as an introduction to control system development for Sunride’s Experimental Series subteam; using a Simulink model, the subteam gained experience that will support the design of future control systems.

Wind Tunnel Testing

To validate the CFD models and assess the aerodynamic performance of the airbrakes module, the Experimental Series subteam conducted wind tunnel tests on X-4. They obtained valuable drag data by experimenting with different airspeeds and airbrake positions. This testing helped to refine CFD models of the rocket for greater accuracy.